Degree structures

When completing a degree programme at our university, you must follow the degree structure of your programme. The degree structure outlines the study modules the degree consists of and the extent of each module. To graduate, the degree must be completed according to the set structure.

The following modules are outlined in the degree structure:

• Language and communication study module and courses part of it
• Methodology studies module and courses part of it
• Major subject study modules and the courses they include
• Study module requirements for minor subjects, for example, how many minor subjects must be completed and whether some specific minor subject is mandatory in a degree
• In some programmes, joint study modules and courses part of them.

The degree structure also describes which studies are mandatory, alternative and elective. Additionally, the degree structure outlines how many credits the study modules, courses and other parts of the degree are worth.

Get familiar with the degree structures

The degree structures are outlined in the study guides. The easiest way to find your degree structure is to go to the Peppi study guide. First choose whether you are completing a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree from the left menu. Then search for the correct study guide. As a rule, studies are completed according to the degree structure and study guide of the year in which you started your studies. When you open the study guide, the degree structure is the first thing you see.

Instructions on changing to a new degree structure

Sometimes your degree structure can change in the middle of your studies before you have had the time to complete your degree. In such cases, the change might affect the studies you still need to take to complete the degree.

In principle, students follow the degree structure of the year in which they started their studies. However, it is possible that teaching is arranged only according to the newest degree structure. In such a case, faculties define which courses correspond to the previous ones. If the degree structure change is extensive, faculties will also determine how long students may continue studying according to the old structure and when they must change to the new one.

Changes to degree structures are always made with the students’ best interests in mind. Even if changes occur, you should not be tasked with additional courses to complete.

It can be tricky to understand the changes in degree structures. In unclear situations, don’t hesitate to contact your faculty’s Student Affairs Office or the Head of Academic Affairs.